Tourists have been warned that a common item, often kept in pockets, could pose a fire risk on planes if not handled carefully.
Vaporizers, also known as electronic cigarettes, are used by around 82 million people worldwide, which is why they are used on millions of flights.
But many travelers may be unaware of the danger they pose and the rules and regulations surrounding their use and transportation during air travel.
Here we present the dos and don’ts.
Fire risk means vaporizers must go in the cabin
Vaporizers use lithium batteries that have been known to catch fire and explode.
The fire risk of vaporizers comes from their lithium batteries. They are used to heat the coil component of the device that heats the e-liquid, and the process creates vapor that users breathe.
the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) explains: ‘Lithium batteries are very safe, but due to their high energy, if they are not treated carefully or if they are mistreated or have a manufacturing defect, they can catch fire or explode.
“Batteries have been the cause of numerous fires on board aircraft and during ground handling.”
In 2016, a bag caught fire while being loaded onto a plane. It was revealed that he had been set on fire by a vape battery.
And in 2019, a passenger’s e-cigarette battery overheated and exploded, causing a fire on an American Airlines flight.
The risk of an incendiary incident means that vaporizers must be transported in the cabin and not checked in the hold, where it is much more difficult to fight a fire.
The CAA adds that passengers can travel with “battery-operated electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes, e-cigarettes, e-cigarettes, electronic pipes, personal vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems), but that the “contents of the batteries of lithium metal must not exceed two grams” and that lithium batteries must not exceed a nominal power of 100 Wh in watt hours.
Separate the batteries, turn off the device and never charge it
The risk of an incendiary incident means that vaporizers must be transported in the cabin and not checked in the hold, where it is much more difficult to fight a fire.
David Phillips, of Vaping supermarketIt emphasizes that spare batteries in carry-on luggage “must be individually wrapped to prevent a short circuit” and that the device “must be completely turned off.”
Meanwhile, charging them mid-flight is prohibited, the CAA says.
Phillips says, “The best thing you can do is make sure your vape is fully charged before your flight and that you don’t use it up before you board the plane.”
“Check the airport’s online policy to find out if and where you can charge your device before your flight.”
He adds: “Vaping on an airplane is subject to the same laws as smoking and if you do, you could face severe penalties and fines.”
“It is not a good idea to risk vaping in the bathroom, as airlines have installed detectors that will detect not only cigarette smoke but also vapor from e-cigarettes.”
Separate the fuel tank
E-cigarettes have a small tank that contains the e-liquid.
vaping company Stop smoking recommends separating this tank from the in-flight device as changes in cabin air pressure can cause the tank to leak.
It said: “The tank should be emptied and separated from the main device, if possible, and stored in a separate clear plastic bag.”
Do not exceed 100ml in e-liquids
Phillips said: “You can take e-liquids with you on a plane in your hand luggage, as long as the total amount you take with you does not exceed 100ml.” You can pack any additional e-liquids in your checked luggage.’
Passengers can carry e-liquids on a plane, as long as the total amount does not exceed 100 ml.
